calibre

3 synonyms for calibre, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — The internal diameter of a tube, especially the barrel of a gun, or the diameter of a bullet or shell.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

quality standard

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

bore

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

The internal diameter of a tube, especially the barrel of a gun, or the diameter of a bullet or shell.

“The rifle takes ammunition of a much smaller calibre than the pistol.”

bore

2. noun

The level of ability, quality or importance that a person or thing has.

“The panel was impressed by the calibre of the candidates.”

quality standard

How to use calibre

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

high calibre large calibre small calibre a person of calibre

Calibre is the standard spelling across the UK and much of the Commonwealth; caliber is the American form of the same word.

Etymology

Calibre is the British and Commonwealth spelling of caliber, the same word simply written differently depending on where English is spoken. It is closely related to the verb calibrate, which means to check or adjust the accuracy of a measuring instrument.

Full origin of calibre →

Frequently asked questions

What does calibre mean?

It can mean the internal diameter of a gun barrel or bullet, or it can describe how good or capable someone or something is.

Is calibre the same word as caliber?

Yes. Calibre is the spelling used in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, while caliber is the American spelling of the same word.

How do you pronounce calibre?

It is said KAL-ih-buh, with the stress on the first syllable.

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